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Air plant : back to the future?

Author(s) : GIGIEL A., BROWN T., HOLDER D., FITT P., EVANS J.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Cold air machines fell from use due to a low COP and problems with the reciprocating machinery used. The system was revived with turbo compressors and expanders for aircraft cabin cooling. Using an aircraft turbo expander and a small screw compressor, a test plant has been built on the simple Joule (Brayton) cycle. Tests confirm that this system could be economical and ecologically acceptable in cases where low temperature refrigeration and both space and water heating are involved. Heating temperature available from the high pressure heat exchanger may be up to 150 deg C which could become the heat source for additional cooling using an absorption machine. Gas engine drive would add to the efficiency. Further research is under way at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. D.W.H.

Details

  • Original title: Air plant : back to the future?
  • Record ID : 1995-0213
  • Languages: English
  • Publication date: 1994/03
  • Source: Source: Refrig. Air Cond.
    suppl.; 20-21; 3 fig.; 1 phot.
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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